1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review
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Used CLK-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz CLK-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class types
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Luxurious, athletic and strikingly handsome.
Cons
- The Cabriolet top isn't fully automatic, no manual transmission.
What’s new
These guys are still on a roll. Last year, Mercedes introduced an all-new sport coupe that is an amalgamation of C- and SLK-Class technologies, available this year with a larger engine in the CLK 430 model, and now they're rolling out the CLK 320 Cabriolet, a convertible version of the fabulous little car.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.60 per gallon for regular unleaded in Massachusetts.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Massachusetts
$208/mo for CLK-Class CLK320
CLK-Class CLK320
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Don't ever call the gang at the three-pointed star lazy; they've been rolling out new cars faster than Hot Wheels. Their latest effort is the CLK Cabriolet, a topless version of the CLK 320 Coupe that made big waves when it hit U.S. shores last year. It is the latest in a string of Mercedes-Benz victories that will undoubtedly stretch into the next century.
Introduced last year as a coupe, the CLK brings a level of luxury previously missing from two-door cars under $50,000. Luxury is synonymous with Mercedes, and the CLK lives up to that name. Competitors such as the Saab 9-3 or Volvo C70, while less expensive, are also front-wheel drive and (relatively) sparsely equipped. The BMW 328i or M3 convertibles are also sparsely equipped, but will be the CLK's closest competitors. The CLK will appeal to people who place sports car performance and the availability of manual transmissions secondary to comfort and convenience. Mercedes hopes to woo buyers with a long standard equipment list featuring both luxury and safety amenities.
As in all Mercedes passenger cars, antilock brakes with brake assist and full-range Automatic Slip Control (ASR) traction control come standard. Other standard features include front and side airbags and BabySmart child-detection protection for the front passenger seat. Optional is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which reduces understeer and oversteer by applying braking force to the wheel that needs it.
All of these enhancements don't come cheap. At a cost of $7,000 more than the base price for the CLK coupe, and an additional curb weight of 410 lbs., the Cabriolet is no lightweight in either category. But from a driving standpoint, the car doesn't lose much in the way of handling.
Both the 320 Coupe and Convertible are powered by the same 3.2-liter V6 engine, making 215 horsepower and 229 foot-pounds of torque. Mercedes asserts that the Cabriolet goes from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds, or about a half second slower than the CLK 320 Coupe. The coupe also receives a 4.3-liter V8 engine this year, which makes 275 horsepower and will doubtless be one helluva fun ride. Unfortunately, the convertible will not see such an enhancement unless buyers start screaming for more power.
Getting the convertible top from up to down and vice-versa is not quite as simple as we had expected. A latch must be turned and then the front of the roof must be forced up or down, depending on whether you're putting it up or taking it down. With that task done, simply push a button and the mechanical motors take over, opening the trunk and folding the top. Not quite the perfect automatic system of the Mercedes SLK or BMW M3 convertibles, but at least you never need to exit the car.
The drive is what really counts, and the CLK does not disappoint. Straight-line acceleration is wonderful. The car feels well balanced in turns, but a little heavy. It drives more like a sedan than sports car: surefooted and steady rather than agile and quick. In any case, it's a beautiful car.
So who, exactly, is going to buy the CLKs? The 320 Coupe will appeal to people aged 30 to 50+, many of them single women, with household incomes above $80,000. Speed demons itching for more power will grab the 430 version, and well-to-do empty nesters in search of a fun-to-drive sporty convertible will line up around the block to buy the CLK 320 Cabriolet. Why? It's a fun-to-drive convertible with an all-season roof, it's powerful, it's safe and it's coddling all at once. Yes, these cars are going to fly.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.
5 star(77%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
35 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Classic and Reliable
Gabriel Welch, 12/18/2016
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK320 2dr Coupe
I purchased my 1999 MB CLK320 with 108,000 miles from a private seller. It was probably the best vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of owning. The Benz has a timeless look to it. It's classic and it's sleek. Don't buy this car if you don't like having an audience watch you drive because this vehicle truly is an eye catcher. Performance wise, I was blown away from the moment I test … drove it. The car is fast and powerful. It shifts smoothly and drives strong. There was not one mechanical flaw the entire time I owned it. It was easily the most comfortable car I've ever sat in too! And the technology was great for a '99. I wish I never sold my Mercedes!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Built to Last
Ron, 05/28/2009
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK430 2dr Coupe
Bought this car as a used Starmark auto the year it came out and having driven it for 10 years now I have had almost zero repairs other than standard maintenance. Recently my car was hit hard by another car right at the drivers door and both the car and I were just fine-not the same with their car. This car is a tank that is light on its feet, beautiful to drive and look at and it has … performed beyond expectation. Only drawback are the upkeep on the low profile front tires which require changing often.
4.75 out of 5 stars
15 going on 30--A future classic
dadconsult, 02/23/2014
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK430 2dr Coupe
I picked up my '99 CLK 430 for a song...and at 131,000 miles it runs and drives like new.
The interior is flawless, leather seats show no wear and tear whatsoever. Power to spare, which is very evident when pulling onto an interstate vs my prior car, a V6 Accord.
However, the Accord's ride was far better, the trade-off of a drivers' car. It is, however, much quieter and despite being 9 … years older, feels more solid and well-built (it's German-built, mine has AMG trim) than the Accord. Now the rest of the story--it's a salvage car, was in an accident that took out the drivers' side front fender and bumper. Was repaired and cannot tell it was ever touched, no consequences are evident.
5 out of 5 stars
Great fun to drive car
Kawl, 02/02/2010
1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class CLK430 2dr Coupe
I bought this car about a year and a half ago and have loved driving it. It is a great strong car that always has a little more power when you need it. It is a solid car that continues to impress me. Things do break on the car but it seems to have a backup for everything. The sunroof sometimes stops but pressing the button in a different direction makes it work, then works later just … fine. I also had a crankshaft sensor malfunction but was less than 150 dollars to fix. So far great luck with the car and it still looks brand new.
1999 CLK-Class Highlights
Coupe
CLK320
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $208/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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